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An Eye for an Eye
A dark thriller in the Ellie Matthews series from USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fardig.
Ellie Matthews is tired of her fifteen minutes of fame. After consulting on a high-profile murder case a few months ago, she wants nothing more than to fade back into obscurity and resume her life as a mild-mannered college professor. But when a family friend goes missing, Ellie finds herself thrust back into the grisly world of crime scene investigation.
It isn’t long before Ellie’s young friend is found murdered and her death is tied to a previously unsolved case. Based on the cryptic poems left on the victims, the department soon realizes that the killer’s vendetta is against them.
It takes all Ellie has to push her personal feelings aside and partner with Detective Nick Baxter one more time. The duo must stop at nothing to catch a vengeful serial killer before it’s too late.
Ellie Matthews is tired of her fifteen minutes of fame. After consulting on a high-profile murder case a few months ago, she wants nothing more than to fade back into obscurity and resume her life as a mild-mannered college professor. But when a family friend goes missing, Ellie finds herself thrust back into the grisly world of crime scene investigation.
It isn’t long before Ellie’s young friend is found murdered and her death is tied to a previously unsolved case. Based on the cryptic poems left on the victims, the department soon realizes that the killer’s vendetta is against them.
It takes all Ellie has to push her personal feelings aside and partner with Detective Nick Baxter one more time. The duo must stop at nothing to catch a vengeful serial killer before it’s too late.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2018
302 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Fardig
28 books289 followersCAROLINE FARDIG is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the Java Jive Mysteries series and the Lizzie Hart Mysteries series. Fardig's BAD MEDICINE was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Suspense Magazine. She worked as a schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom before she realized that she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Fardig still lives in that same town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 8, 2018
This is a terrific follow-up to BITTER PAST, which showcased all forensic aspects of a murder investigation. The author has certainly done her research and writes not only authoritatively, but in a manner that lay people find it very easy to understand.
Ellie Matthews, once a well-known criminalist, is now a professor of criminology at a local college. She recently consulted on a murder case and wants nothing to go back to her 'normal' life. But then a family friend goes missing and she finds herelf once again being drawn in to use her expertise.
Her friend is found murdered and left with a message that leaves no doubt that the killer has a vendetta against the local law enforcement.
Partnering again with Detective Nick Baxter, she's on the verge of losing it when the killer takes Ellie's sister. But it's what the killer wants in return for her sister's safe return that sets them all on edge.
This is such a well-written crime novel. I love all the forensics, from the collecting to the analyzing of clothing and / or objects looking for clues to the killer. It's fast-paced with lots of action. I love how Ellie and Nick interact with each other ... it's almost like siblings. They may argue or get short with one another, but there's always a layer of trust and respect at hand.
Many thanks to the author / Amazon Digital Services LLC / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Ellie Matthews, once a well-known criminalist, is now a professor of criminology at a local college. She recently consulted on a murder case and wants nothing to go back to her 'normal' life. But then a family friend goes missing and she finds herelf once again being drawn in to use her expertise.
Her friend is found murdered and left with a message that leaves no doubt that the killer has a vendetta against the local law enforcement.
Partnering again with Detective Nick Baxter, she's on the verge of losing it when the killer takes Ellie's sister. But it's what the killer wants in return for her sister's safe return that sets them all on edge.
This is such a well-written crime novel. I love all the forensics, from the collecting to the analyzing of clothing and / or objects looking for clues to the killer. It's fast-paced with lots of action. I love how Ellie and Nick interact with each other ... it's almost like siblings. They may argue or get short with one another, but there's always a layer of trust and respect at hand.
Many thanks to the author / Amazon Digital Services LLC / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 3, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
A twisted vendetta of a plot played out with characters who have faults and secrets and who will risk everything to see that a sociopath is caught. A dark thriller that keeps you hooked to the very end. And, Wow, what an ending.
After being instrumental in solving the murders of Ashland College students, Ellie is more than ready to return to her uneventful life as a college professor. But, alas, that is just not to be. When her sister Rachel's good friend, Jenna, turns up dead Ellie is dragged back into the criminologist role once again. She has a lot of emotion to compartmentalize and her coping skills include shots of vodka and shoving away Detective Nick Baxter's attempts to help her cope. When Jenna's death is tied to a previous staged murder, it looks like a serial killer is out for revenge for a very specific reason. When the killer comes too close to Ellie, Nick and Ellie will stop at nothing to catch this murderer.
A twisted vendetta of a plot played out with characters who have faults and secrets and who will risk everything to see that a sociopath is caught. A dark thriller that keeps you hooked to the very end. And, Wow, what an ending.
After being instrumental in solving the murders of Ashland College students, Ellie is more than ready to return to her uneventful life as a college professor. But, alas, that is just not to be. When her sister Rachel's good friend, Jenna, turns up dead Ellie is dragged back into the criminologist role once again. She has a lot of emotion to compartmentalize and her coping skills include shots of vodka and shoving away Detective Nick Baxter's attempts to help her cope. When Jenna's death is tied to a previous staged murder, it looks like a serial killer is out for revenge for a very specific reason. When the killer comes too close to Ellie, Nick and Ellie will stop at nothing to catch this murderer.
January 24, 2018
This is the 2nd book following a criminologist Professor Ellie Matthews doing her Sherlock talents to solve crime dramas. Caroline Fardig brings an amazing cast of characters who navigate an amazing "Who Done it" mystery. This book can be read as a stand alone but I will stress having read the first book in this series "Bitter Past" that both showcase an author of exceptional talent. Ellie and Detective Baxter Nick Baxter again team as partners to race against the clock to put puzzle pieces together to solve a cold case. Police department abounds with interesting individuals all focused on moving this story along in killer fashion. Look forward to Fardig's next installment to see how Elle and Nick battle their next case and their cautious romance. "A copy of this book was provided by Amazon Digital Services LLC via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
January 11, 2018
4 stars
Professor Ellie Matthews just wants things to go back to normal. Since leaving her job as a forensic investigator and taking her new position at the university, her life has become much better. She was involved is a recent investigation and had a run in with one of the detectives named Nick Baxter and she’d really like to put it all behind her now.
However, when one of her young friends goes missing with only her cell phone left in the bushes on campus, she gets roped into another crime investigation. When that friend is found dead, like another young woman, the investigation intensifies and the search is on.
There a confusing poems left at each crime scene which intrigue and draw the police even further into the investigation. The killer seems to be targeting the police. It soon becomes clear that they are tracking a serial killer.
Then Ellie’s own sister goes missing. The police are given seventy-two hours to solve a crime. In a race against time, Ellie and Nick must solve the crime and rescue Ellie’s sister. They must also catch the killer.
This is a well written and plotted novel. I didn’t like it quite as much as the previous book in this series, but it was very good nonetheless. I like Ellie and her way of getting along with (most) people. Poor Nick! He takes a beating in his relationship with Ellie. They get along, and then they don’t. I believe they not so secretly like one another.
I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Digital Services, LLC for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read and enjoy.
Professor Ellie Matthews just wants things to go back to normal. Since leaving her job as a forensic investigator and taking her new position at the university, her life has become much better. She was involved is a recent investigation and had a run in with one of the detectives named Nick Baxter and she’d really like to put it all behind her now.
However, when one of her young friends goes missing with only her cell phone left in the bushes on campus, she gets roped into another crime investigation. When that friend is found dead, like another young woman, the investigation intensifies and the search is on.
There a confusing poems left at each crime scene which intrigue and draw the police even further into the investigation. The killer seems to be targeting the police. It soon becomes clear that they are tracking a serial killer.
Then Ellie’s own sister goes missing. The police are given seventy-two hours to solve a crime. In a race against time, Ellie and Nick must solve the crime and rescue Ellie’s sister. They must also catch the killer.
This is a well written and plotted novel. I didn’t like it quite as much as the previous book in this series, but it was very good nonetheless. I like Ellie and her way of getting along with (most) people. Poor Nick! He takes a beating in his relationship with Ellie. They get along, and then they don’t. I believe they not so secretly like one another.
I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Digital Services, LLC for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read and enjoy.
July 22, 2018
Ellie Matthews had quit working with the police dept. and was now a Criminal Justice teacher at the local college. The sheriff had asked her to consult on a murder that had recently happened, and Ellie couldn't say no as the sheriff had practically raised her and her sister. When her sister is kidnapped, Ellie is forced to help work the crime, as she discovers she had been interviewed by the very cocky psychopath that had already killed at least one person, and had now kidnapped two others.
This is a well told story with defined characters, a little humor to ease the reading experience, and a whole lot of misdirection. It has characters you can identify with, and there are vivid descriptions of the buildings and scenery that make it easy to visualize where the characters are.
This is a well told story with defined characters, a little humor to ease the reading experience, and a whole lot of misdirection. It has characters you can identify with, and there are vivid descriptions of the buildings and scenery that make it easy to visualize where the characters are.
January 31, 2018
“An Eye for an Eye” earns 5+/5 Cryptic Poems…a Nail-Biting Experience!
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it…murder? Amy Donovan has been murdered, a cryptic poem lodged in her mouth points to vengeance as a motive and a warning, “I'm just getting started.” Sheriff Jayne Walsh is on high alert since the victim is the daughter of her first partner, retired detective Frank Donovan. Ellie Matthews, a well-respected criminologist, had traded in her badge for a professorship at Ashmore College after a grisly murder turned personal. And despite her close friendship with mentor Walsh, she turns down the request to act as a consultant. But, soon Ellie receives a frantic phone call from her younger half-sister Rachel Miller. Her close friend and college mate Jenna Walsh, Sheriff Walsh’s niece, is uncharacteristically AWOL having never returned from her romantic weekend with a secret boyfriend. Ellie can't refuse the call for all hands on deck, but her personal demons surface when Jenna is victim number two; another cryptic poem is found with the body…a serial killer is bent on destroying friends and family. It's become personal again.
“An Eye for an Eye” is the second book in Caroline Fardig’s Ellie Matthews suspense thriller. Fans of book one, “Bitter Past,” will be deeply involved, but newbies, like me, need not avoid this intriguing story. Fardig offers several references to the background and character connections found in book one, however no spoilers to interfere with going back to the beginning. The story is deeply engaging, nail-biting at times, well, all the time, and the ultimate challenge the sociopath lays out, revisit a seemingly solved murder case, made this very difficult to put down. Added to the suspense is a myriad of fascinating information about crime scene techniques and evidence testing. Fardig’s descriptions and dialogue keeps one turning the pages, and even in the midst of the drama, we get some witty banter. Well written all around!
The characters are all well-developed, an enjoyable surprise this early in the series, and the relationships are clearly defined and realistic, even when there are disagreements or a history of misunderstandings or just plain dislike. Ellie is strong, stronger than she perceives, with a quick wit that more than equips her with the ability to keep up with seasoned detectives and Federal Agent Vic Manetti. Her relationship with Detective Nick Baxter hit a brick wall in book one, so here they navigate those misunderstandings and frustrations, unaccepted apologies, and an undercurrent of physical attraction is developing. Fardig does an excellent job of illustrating Ellie’s flaws and demons that she desperately tries to overcome for the sake of justice.
Fascinating...all around! “An Eye for an Eye” is definitely a favorite thrill ride. I’ve read several books from Tess Gerritsen’s Rissoli & Isles and Kathy Reich’s Bones series, and Caroline Fardig’s Ellie Matthews book is far more engaging—the story and the characters!
“Disclosure: I received a copy from the author through NetGalley. However, the review and insights are my voluntary and honest opinions.”
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it…murder? Amy Donovan has been murdered, a cryptic poem lodged in her mouth points to vengeance as a motive and a warning, “I'm just getting started.” Sheriff Jayne Walsh is on high alert since the victim is the daughter of her first partner, retired detective Frank Donovan. Ellie Matthews, a well-respected criminologist, had traded in her badge for a professorship at Ashmore College after a grisly murder turned personal. And despite her close friendship with mentor Walsh, she turns down the request to act as a consultant. But, soon Ellie receives a frantic phone call from her younger half-sister Rachel Miller. Her close friend and college mate Jenna Walsh, Sheriff Walsh’s niece, is uncharacteristically AWOL having never returned from her romantic weekend with a secret boyfriend. Ellie can't refuse the call for all hands on deck, but her personal demons surface when Jenna is victim number two; another cryptic poem is found with the body…a serial killer is bent on destroying friends and family. It's become personal again.
“An Eye for an Eye” is the second book in Caroline Fardig’s Ellie Matthews suspense thriller. Fans of book one, “Bitter Past,” will be deeply involved, but newbies, like me, need not avoid this intriguing story. Fardig offers several references to the background and character connections found in book one, however no spoilers to interfere with going back to the beginning. The story is deeply engaging, nail-biting at times, well, all the time, and the ultimate challenge the sociopath lays out, revisit a seemingly solved murder case, made this very difficult to put down. Added to the suspense is a myriad of fascinating information about crime scene techniques and evidence testing. Fardig’s descriptions and dialogue keeps one turning the pages, and even in the midst of the drama, we get some witty banter. Well written all around!
The characters are all well-developed, an enjoyable surprise this early in the series, and the relationships are clearly defined and realistic, even when there are disagreements or a history of misunderstandings or just plain dislike. Ellie is strong, stronger than she perceives, with a quick wit that more than equips her with the ability to keep up with seasoned detectives and Federal Agent Vic Manetti. Her relationship with Detective Nick Baxter hit a brick wall in book one, so here they navigate those misunderstandings and frustrations, unaccepted apologies, and an undercurrent of physical attraction is developing. Fardig does an excellent job of illustrating Ellie’s flaws and demons that she desperately tries to overcome for the sake of justice.
Fascinating...all around! “An Eye for an Eye” is definitely a favorite thrill ride. I’ve read several books from Tess Gerritsen’s Rissoli & Isles and Kathy Reich’s Bones series, and Caroline Fardig’s Ellie Matthews book is far more engaging—the story and the characters!
“Disclosure: I received a copy from the author through NetGalley. However, the review and insights are my voluntary and honest opinions.”
January 21, 2018
This is the second book in the series about Ellie Matthews, criminologist. In the first book we learn Ellie has left the police department and is a professor at Ashmore College. She has been called back to help once before on a case that involved students at the college. In this second book there is a little dejavu in that a girl from Ashmore goes missing, however this time she is the niece of Sheriff Jayne Walsh, Jenna. Jenna is a family friend and best friend of Rachel, Ellie's sister. When Jayne asks Ellie to help, how can she refuse? Although she is too close to the case and should never be allowed to work it, Ellie jumps in with all her heart and knowledge. As this case progresses, it becomes apparent that there are three related murders and the murderer seems to be taunting the police. He leaves fingerprints and is brazenly meeting key players in this drama. His motive is an odd one. He wants to see his dead father exonerated for the murder of his mother. His goal? For Ellie and her partner Nick to find who was really the murderer. But sociopaths don't care how they get results or who they hurt. Who will be next to die?
An Eye for an Eye is a thriller,a police procedural, and a story about family love. The Biblical references (eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, etc) are literally carried out by the sociopath. The corpses are symbolic of his mother, dressed in clothing of that era. The murderer is sick, twisted, and cocky. The story of his actions and demands is both horrifying and fascinating. The author faces the horrors head on, adding in back history of the principal detective and Ellie in order to increase our awareness of their understanding of every threat and action. It is a fascinating study of the people who surrounded the current murderer as well as the original murder victim. The book will suck you in and when you race to the finish, you will be stunned-more than once-as to what you learn. Misplaced family "love" between the murderer and father? Or loyalty that turned him into a monster? Family love between Ellie and Rachel, Nate, and "Grandpa" David is real, and there through thick and thin, which is shown over and over.
Author Caroline Fardig has created characters who are realistic and flawed. I think one reason I like this series is that no one is perfect. Yes, some people do their jobs better than other, act better, are smarter, etc., but those people are also fallible and flawed as people in real life tend to be. Even Ellie has to face her personal demon and try to overcome it. I like the way that Ellie, over time, is becoming a little more forgiving of her peers and a little more open to listening before dismissing people. Her character growth since the first book is amazing, making her much more likable and believable. I look forward to the next book in this series. I am hoping that Ellie will return to the police department, and perhaps work on a crime/murder that is outside of the college arena.
An Eye for an Eye is a thriller,a police procedural, and a story about family love. The Biblical references (eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, etc) are literally carried out by the sociopath. The corpses are symbolic of his mother, dressed in clothing of that era. The murderer is sick, twisted, and cocky. The story of his actions and demands is both horrifying and fascinating. The author faces the horrors head on, adding in back history of the principal detective and Ellie in order to increase our awareness of their understanding of every threat and action. It is a fascinating study of the people who surrounded the current murderer as well as the original murder victim. The book will suck you in and when you race to the finish, you will be stunned-more than once-as to what you learn. Misplaced family "love" between the murderer and father? Or loyalty that turned him into a monster? Family love between Ellie and Rachel, Nate, and "Grandpa" David is real, and there through thick and thin, which is shown over and over.
Author Caroline Fardig has created characters who are realistic and flawed. I think one reason I like this series is that no one is perfect. Yes, some people do their jobs better than other, act better, are smarter, etc., but those people are also fallible and flawed as people in real life tend to be. Even Ellie has to face her personal demon and try to overcome it. I like the way that Ellie, over time, is becoming a little more forgiving of her peers and a little more open to listening before dismissing people. Her character growth since the first book is amazing, making her much more likable and believable. I look forward to the next book in this series. I am hoping that Ellie will return to the police department, and perhaps work on a crime/murder that is outside of the college arena.
January 31, 2018
ORIGINAL POST:
**A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I want to start out by saying I have not read the first book in the Ellie Matthews series by Caroline Fardig. An Eye for an Eye was the second in the series, but I can assure you that having not read the first one, this one made complete sense. There were a few things I can imagine I would understand better, relationships and such, if I had read the first book, but none of those missing pieces were detrimental to understanding the story. It could be read as a standalone.
An Eye for an Eye follows Ellie Matthews, professor and ex-employee of the police force. When she thinks her life has calmed down is just the time when things pick up. She is dragged back into an investigation that gets very personal, very quickly. Ellie is quick witted, fiercly independent, and insanely protective of those close to her. All those traits come into play as she fights to save the day in this novel. Fardig has given us a character who is emotionally vulnerable and mentally strong beyond normal comprehension for most all at the same time. The complexity of Ellie's character was nice when the other characters were fairly simplistic It was a good balance. The story had a lot of surprises, twists, and turns. I wouldn't say I was shocked at the end, but I would not have guessed where it was going earlier on.
My only issue with An Eye for an Eye that I had was at some points it seemed like every horrible thing was tied into this story. Not only was there a kidnap victim and the main line, but Ellie had multiple personal issues that seemed to come out when the story was in a small lull between peak moments, or a crazy, almost unbelievable, spin would pop up and the situation would get so much more worse. I understand things happen and sometimes there is underlying issues in cases like this, but it was like everything horrible that could even potentially be an option was happening. Seemed unrealistic at times.
Although this bothered me, it was not to an extent that had me disliking the story. I enjoyed this mystery and found myself pushing forward every spare moment to find out if the bad guy would come to justice. All in all, Caroline Fardig wrote a great suspense novel that fans of the genre will sufficiently enjoy.
**A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I want to start out by saying I have not read the first book in the Ellie Matthews series by Caroline Fardig. An Eye for an Eye was the second in the series, but I can assure you that having not read the first one, this one made complete sense. There were a few things I can imagine I would understand better, relationships and such, if I had read the first book, but none of those missing pieces were detrimental to understanding the story. It could be read as a standalone.
An Eye for an Eye follows Ellie Matthews, professor and ex-employee of the police force. When she thinks her life has calmed down is just the time when things pick up. She is dragged back into an investigation that gets very personal, very quickly. Ellie is quick witted, fiercly independent, and insanely protective of those close to her. All those traits come into play as she fights to save the day in this novel. Fardig has given us a character who is emotionally vulnerable and mentally strong beyond normal comprehension for most all at the same time. The complexity of Ellie's character was nice when the other characters were fairly simplistic It was a good balance. The story had a lot of surprises, twists, and turns. I wouldn't say I was shocked at the end, but I would not have guessed where it was going earlier on.
My only issue with An Eye for an Eye that I had was at some points it seemed like every horrible thing was tied into this story. Not only was there a kidnap victim and the main line, but Ellie had multiple personal issues that seemed to come out when the story was in a small lull between peak moments, or a crazy, almost unbelievable, spin would pop up and the situation would get so much more worse. I understand things happen and sometimes there is underlying issues in cases like this, but it was like everything horrible that could even potentially be an option was happening. Seemed unrealistic at times.
Although this bothered me, it was not to an extent that had me disliking the story. I enjoyed this mystery and found myself pushing forward every spare moment to find out if the bad guy would come to justice. All in all, Caroline Fardig wrote a great suspense novel that fans of the genre will sufficiently enjoy.
January 23, 2018
Ellie Matthews switched to teaching at her local college after leaving her criminalist position with former partner Detective Nick Baxter. Then one of her sister's college friends goes missing and she finds herself thrust right back into the fray.
The opening chapter grabs your attention and proceeds from there, turning the pages. The body of the missing woman is found staged, posed, and left with negligible evidence, but before Ellie can really get into the forensics and crime scene investigation she is thrust center state into the discovery of the second body. Whether or not she wants to pair with Det. Baxter again, finds herself doing so.
Rachel, Ellie's younger sister goes missing, and when they get a message regarding the demands, it's one no one saw coming. The perp gives Ellie 72 hours to find his own mother's killer, but Ellie apparently has another fight on her hands besides time. Well-crafted plot delves into the science of forensics so it's as fascinating as the story it weaves around. Explanation for procedures is handled as part of the investigation and the story never slows. Ellie is well fleshed, though it's obvious has demons she has yet to conquer. She can be sharp and cryptic. It's clear Det. Baxter has feelings for her and he is well developed to the point of being sympathetic. Peripheral characters round out a good cast.
Not the first female protagonist left with childhood trauma yet to be resolved. Dialogue is natural; Ellie becomes unbecoming more than once. The climax satisfactorily closes the book though rather abruptly. We learn who is the main antagonist, and I'd speculated the mother's killer. I downloaded this novel from the author and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended for anyone who enjoys police procedurals, forensic studies, criminal minds, mystery, and thriller and suspense.
The opening chapter grabs your attention and proceeds from there, turning the pages. The body of the missing woman is found staged, posed, and left with negligible evidence, but before Ellie can really get into the forensics and crime scene investigation she is thrust center state into the discovery of the second body. Whether or not she wants to pair with Det. Baxter again, finds herself doing so.
Rachel, Ellie's younger sister goes missing, and when they get a message regarding the demands, it's one no one saw coming. The perp gives Ellie 72 hours to find his own mother's killer, but Ellie apparently has another fight on her hands besides time. Well-crafted plot delves into the science of forensics so it's as fascinating as the story it weaves around. Explanation for procedures is handled as part of the investigation and the story never slows. Ellie is well fleshed, though it's obvious has demons she has yet to conquer. She can be sharp and cryptic. It's clear Det. Baxter has feelings for her and he is well developed to the point of being sympathetic. Peripheral characters round out a good cast.
Not the first female protagonist left with childhood trauma yet to be resolved. Dialogue is natural; Ellie becomes unbecoming more than once. The climax satisfactorily closes the book though rather abruptly. We learn who is the main antagonist, and I'd speculated the mother's killer. I downloaded this novel from the author and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended for anyone who enjoys police procedurals, forensic studies, criminal minds, mystery, and thriller and suspense.
May 30, 2024
Ellie Matthews, recovering crime scene investigator and college professor gets drawn back into investigating when her mentor, Sheriff Jayne Walsh, reaches out to her for help when Walsh’s niece is kidnapped. The case brings Ellie in contact with her annoying former partner and a cranky FBI agent who seems to dislike her. And the case hits very close to home for Ellie herself, when her sister goes missing.
I liked the first book in the series so much I immediately bought this one and read it, and I was not disappointed. The plot held my interest all the way through, sometimes keeping me on the edge of my seat. The parts involving forensics were interesting – watching Ellie and her co-workers use science to figure out how the crimes occurred felt real to me. I also like that these characters are multi-dimensional – nobody’s 100% good or 100% bad. And once again, the ending was a surprise. I come for the mysteries, but stay for the characters, and so far this series is batting 1,000. I will read more in this series.
I liked the first book in the series so much I immediately bought this one and read it, and I was not disappointed. The plot held my interest all the way through, sometimes keeping me on the edge of my seat. The parts involving forensics were interesting – watching Ellie and her co-workers use science to figure out how the crimes occurred felt real to me. I also like that these characters are multi-dimensional – nobody’s 100% good or 100% bad. And once again, the ending was a surprise. I come for the mysteries, but stay for the characters, and so far this series is batting 1,000. I will read more in this series.
January 22, 2018
This was a dark thriller series from Caroline Fardig, quite far different with her other books that tend to be in cosy mysteries alley. Oh, and this was the second book in Ellie Matthews series. It’s a standalone, though characters relationship went back to the first book.
Once again, Ellie was forced to help law enforcement as the victim(s) were close to her. She did her best, though didn’t mean she liked it. Again, she had to work with Detective Nick Baxter, and race with time to save the victims and found the killer.
Though it’s different, or maybe because it’s different, I found myself more drawn to Ellie’s stories compare to Ms. Fardig’s other series. Yes, the mood was dark, and I could feel the evil lurking at the corner. She’s that good. I’d love to read the next stories of Ellie Matthews. The relationship between Ellie and Nick was also unique. There’s this love-hate kind of thing. Like siblings yet not really. I’d love to read where they’ll go in the future.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher through NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
Once again, Ellie was forced to help law enforcement as the victim(s) were close to her. She did her best, though didn’t mean she liked it. Again, she had to work with Detective Nick Baxter, and race with time to save the victims and found the killer.
Though it’s different, or maybe because it’s different, I found myself more drawn to Ellie’s stories compare to Ms. Fardig’s other series. Yes, the mood was dark, and I could feel the evil lurking at the corner. She’s that good. I’d love to read the next stories of Ellie Matthews. The relationship between Ellie and Nick was also unique. There’s this love-hate kind of thing. Like siblings yet not really. I’d love to read where they’ll go in the future.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher through NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
January 23, 2018
Be warned: this series is much darker than Fardig's other series, not in the least because Ellie Matthews isn't even trying to pretend that she has everything together. (Let's just say you'll be glad when one of her colleagues calls her on her self-destructive bs midway through the story--but don't worry, there are plenty of other ways that Ellie can get in her own way.)
Ellie was excelling in her work as a criminal forensic pathologist before she got a sick, twisted reminder of the past she'd left behind. After that, she sought the safety of a university to bury herself in, but she's dragged back to her old job once again when an old friend desperately asks for help. But before the case is solved, it's going to get horribly personal one more time for Ellie.
I pick up clues easily and can usually figure out whodunit pretty quickly, but Fardig's reveal at the end made me gasp. I didn't see it coming, and I loved it.
If you like dark mysteries in small towns with a complicated heroine, check this out.
Ellie was excelling in her work as a criminal forensic pathologist before she got a sick, twisted reminder of the past she'd left behind. After that, she sought the safety of a university to bury herself in, but she's dragged back to her old job once again when an old friend desperately asks for help. But before the case is solved, it's going to get horribly personal one more time for Ellie.
I pick up clues easily and can usually figure out whodunit pretty quickly, but Fardig's reveal at the end made me gasp. I didn't see it coming, and I loved it.
If you like dark mysteries in small towns with a complicated heroine, check this out.
January 24, 2018
Second book in the series, and in here, Professor Miller is brought back to analyse crime scenes when a family friend disappears. As in the previous book, the research done is evident not only in the description of forensic procedures but also in the ease in which they are presented, and how effortlessness is to understand what's going on.
The characters keep growing in me, and I particularly like the complicated friendship/partnership between Ellie Miller and Detective Nick Baxter.
Action-packed and thrilling, this story is also about family and love, and how far would you go to protect your loved ones.
A most recommended read.
The characters keep growing in me, and I particularly like the complicated friendship/partnership between Ellie Miller and Detective Nick Baxter.
Action-packed and thrilling, this story is also about family and love, and how far would you go to protect your loved ones.
A most recommended read.
January 13, 2018
Ellie Matthews is a forensics professor not a crime scene investigator for a reason: she got tired of her job taking over her life. When she was asked to consult on a high-profile case a few months ago, she got sucked back in, but she’s been happily back at teaching for a while now, enjoying her normal life.
Until a family friend disappears, and Ellie is called to consult again—on the disappearance of someone she cares about. Ellie is thrown together with Detective Nick Baxter as they try to find the missing girl.
When the girl turns up dead with a pointed message, they realize hurting law enforcement is the game the clever killer is playing. Then Ellie’s sister disappears, and the killer strikes a deal: if Ellie and Nick solve a years-old murder case, he’ll release her sister unharmed.
Tensions mount as Ellie struggles to uncover evidence from years ago, while also searching desperately for traces of her sister. She and Nick butt heads as she struggles to cope, and he tries to get her to see just how damaged she is.
I’ve loved everything Caroline Fardig has written (that I’ve read, anyway), and An Eye for an Eye is no exception. The forensics blends seamlessly with the narrative, and the slow investigation had me desperate to find out who the killer was. Nick and Ellie mesh well as they work as an investigative team, but the personal undercurrents grow stronger throughout the novel. This novel works well to both entertain and keep the reader’s mind engaged in the mysteries.
(Galley provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
More reviews at Tomorrow is Another Day
Until a family friend disappears, and Ellie is called to consult again—on the disappearance of someone she cares about. Ellie is thrown together with Detective Nick Baxter as they try to find the missing girl.
When the girl turns up dead with a pointed message, they realize hurting law enforcement is the game the clever killer is playing. Then Ellie’s sister disappears, and the killer strikes a deal: if Ellie and Nick solve a years-old murder case, he’ll release her sister unharmed.
Tensions mount as Ellie struggles to uncover evidence from years ago, while also searching desperately for traces of her sister. She and Nick butt heads as she struggles to cope, and he tries to get her to see just how damaged she is.
I’ve loved everything Caroline Fardig has written (that I’ve read, anyway), and An Eye for an Eye is no exception. The forensics blends seamlessly with the narrative, and the slow investigation had me desperate to find out who the killer was. Nick and Ellie mesh well as they work as an investigative team, but the personal undercurrents grow stronger throughout the novel. This novel works well to both entertain and keep the reader’s mind engaged in the mysteries.
(Galley provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
More reviews at Tomorrow is Another Day
January 20, 2018
Eye for an Eye is the second Ellie Miller novel. She is a criminology professor who is called in by the local Sheriff to consult when the sheriff's niece is kidnapped. Ellie has sworn off field work but the case is personal, the niece and the Sheriff are like family. She's already barely hanging on from the last case and she hasn't got the poker face she thinks she does.
I love these characters and the way they interact and their individual strengths. And Ellie is a strong, intelligent, determined and focused woman which I love but is also emotionally closed off, stubbornly fixated on dating men who can't hurt her and she can't see all the amazing people around her who truly love her and her family and only have their best interest at heart. So while she is a total badass at crime solving, I want to reach through the pages and smack some sense into her!
I truly loved this story and the one before and I'll be waiting not so patiently for the next Ellie installment!
I love these characters and the way they interact and their individual strengths. And Ellie is a strong, intelligent, determined and focused woman which I love but is also emotionally closed off, stubbornly fixated on dating men who can't hurt her and she can't see all the amazing people around her who truly love her and her family and only have their best interest at heart. So while she is a total badass at crime solving, I want to reach through the pages and smack some sense into her!
I truly loved this story and the one before and I'll be waiting not so patiently for the next Ellie installment!
May 19, 2018
Really. She’s turned into an alcoholic? Suuuuure.... who doesn’t love it when the heroine suddenly shakes with abstinences in the middle og a serial killer hunt....
And the whole.. “you’re too good for me. I dont deserve happiness” blah blah blah.... overused plot much??
And, who Wanna bet that in the next book the little sister falls in love with Baxter because He’s perfect.
Although, Ill never find out - I’m done.
And the whole.. “you’re too good for me. I dont deserve happiness” blah blah blah.... overused plot much??
And, who Wanna bet that in the next book the little sister falls in love with Baxter because He’s perfect.
Although, Ill never find out - I’m done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2018
4 stars
Professor Ellie Matthews just wants things to go back to normal. Since leaving her job as a forensic investigator and taking her new position at the university, her life has become much better. She was involved is a recent investigation and had a run in with one of the detectives named Nick Baxter and she’d really like to put it all behind her now.
However, when one of her young friends goes missing with only her cell phone left in the bushes on campus, she gets roped into another crime investigation. When that friend is found dead, like another young woman, the investigation intensifies and the search is on.
There a confusing poems left at each crime scene which intrigue and draw the police even further into the investigation. The killer seems to be targeting the police. It soon becomes clear that they are tracking a serial killer.
Then Ellie’s own sister goes missing. The police are given seventy-two hours to solve a crime. In a race against time, Ellie and Nick must solve the crime and rescue Ellie’s sister. They must also catch the killer.
This is a well written and plotted novel. I didn’t like it quite as much as the previous book in this series, but it was very good nonetheless. I like Ellie and her way of getting along with (most) people. Poor Nick! He takes a beating in his relationship with Ellie. They get along, and then they don’t. I believe they not so secretly like one another.
I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Digital Services, LLC for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read and enjoy.
Professor Ellie Matthews just wants things to go back to normal. Since leaving her job as a forensic investigator and taking her new position at the university, her life has become much better. She was involved is a recent investigation and had a run in with one of the detectives named Nick Baxter and she’d really like to put it all behind her now.
However, when one of her young friends goes missing with only her cell phone left in the bushes on campus, she gets roped into another crime investigation. When that friend is found dead, like another young woman, the investigation intensifies and the search is on.
There a confusing poems left at each crime scene which intrigue and draw the police even further into the investigation. The killer seems to be targeting the police. It soon becomes clear that they are tracking a serial killer.
Then Ellie’s own sister goes missing. The police are given seventy-two hours to solve a crime. In a race against time, Ellie and Nick must solve the crime and rescue Ellie’s sister. They must also catch the killer.
This is a well written and plotted novel. I didn’t like it quite as much as the previous book in this series, but it was very good nonetheless. I like Ellie and her way of getting along with (most) people. Poor Nick! He takes a beating in his relationship with Ellie. They get along, and then they don’t. I believe they not so secretly like one another.
I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Digital Services, LLC for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read and enjoy.
February 15, 2018
Great series! Ellie and Baxter make the perfect team. Edge of your seat suspense with a surprise ending!
January 18, 2018
I received an ARC of this book via Net Galley - thanks so much for this opportunity! I really enjoy Caroline Fardig's other books and was thrilled to see that she had a new series. I didn't realize this was the 2nd book in a new series, but I didn't feel lost at all. It's a very interesting and suspenseful read that definitely kept me guessing the whole way through. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and now I want to read the 1st in the series! And I hope there will be more to come!
January 8, 2018
I received an ARC of an Eye for an Eye by Caroline Fardig threw the publisher and NetGalley. I am pleased to voluntarily review this book.
This is the second book in the Ellie Matthews series. This is a good mystery with a likeable protagonist. Ellie Matthews is a professor at Ashmore College, teaching forensic science. She is happy teaching students in a field she excelled in when she worked for the Police Department. Her younger half sister, Rachel, is a student at the same college. Nate, Rachel's young son, rounds out their family.
Rachel is worried about her friend Jenna when she misses a class they are in together. They were scheduled to present a class project and Rachel knew she wouldn't miss class voluntarily. Jenna told Rachel that she and the new boyfriend were going to spend the weekend together. She knows Jenna has a poor track record choosing boyfriends and knows something must be wrong when she not only doesn't show up but she also doesn't answer her phone. Rachel asks Ellie for help. When Jenna's phone is found in the bushes on campus, they know it's time to involve the police.
The writing is good with well developed characters and escalating suspense. Jenna's disappearance is only the beginning of trouble that leads Ellie back into working alongside with the police. I recommend this book to those who enjoy a good mystery.
This is the second book in the Ellie Matthews series. This is a good mystery with a likeable protagonist. Ellie Matthews is a professor at Ashmore College, teaching forensic science. She is happy teaching students in a field she excelled in when she worked for the Police Department. Her younger half sister, Rachel, is a student at the same college. Nate, Rachel's young son, rounds out their family.
Rachel is worried about her friend Jenna when she misses a class they are in together. They were scheduled to present a class project and Rachel knew she wouldn't miss class voluntarily. Jenna told Rachel that she and the new boyfriend were going to spend the weekend together. She knows Jenna has a poor track record choosing boyfriends and knows something must be wrong when she not only doesn't show up but she also doesn't answer her phone. Rachel asks Ellie for help. When Jenna's phone is found in the bushes on campus, they know it's time to involve the police.
The writing is good with well developed characters and escalating suspense. Jenna's disappearance is only the beginning of trouble that leads Ellie back into working alongside with the police. I recommend this book to those who enjoy a good mystery.
January 19, 2018
I enjoyed An Eye for an Eye by Caroline Fardig. Ellie Matthews teaches criminology classes at a nearby college. She worked at the local sheriff's department as a CSI analyst before teaching. When a family friend goes missing Ellie must put her skills to work to try and find her before it is too late. Ellie finds herself working with Detective Nick Baxter and the abductor/killer seems to be targeting the Sheriff's Department. The clock is ticking and they must rush to solve this case before someone else dies.
January 7, 2018
ARC Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley
I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Once again Ellie Matthews is drag into her former role as she consults on another serial killer but this time it involves her best friend’s niece as she is is one of the victims.
She ends up teaming up with her ex partner for his interference who she still has not forgiven from their last case. Things get even more personal who the serial killer kidnaps her younger sister as they are given 72 hours to find his mother’s killer and prove that his dad did not do it.
It will come down to the wire in order to save Ellie’s sister. A fascinating thriller with a few unexpected twist that keep you guessing.
I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Once again Ellie Matthews is drag into her former role as she consults on another serial killer but this time it involves her best friend’s niece as she is is one of the victims.
She ends up teaming up with her ex partner for his interference who she still has not forgiven from their last case. Things get even more personal who the serial killer kidnaps her younger sister as they are given 72 hours to find his mother’s killer and prove that his dad did not do it.
It will come down to the wire in order to save Ellie’s sister. A fascinating thriller with a few unexpected twist that keep you guessing.
January 11, 2018
Every time Ellie Matthews thinks she is done working for the police in forensics, her ex partner Nick Baxter brings her back for another case. This time for a friend. Interesting character dynamics make this series a great read.
October 4, 2019
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
Ellie Matthews is a criminologist now working as a professor at a local college. She recently assisted on a high-profile murder case, garnering some unwanted attention and now he's happy to just get back to teaching. Despite her desire to hide in obscurity she agrees to an interview with a charming young student who says he wants to make an impression on the school newspaper editor by landing the one interview that no one else can get.
Not long afterward, a family friend is found dead, murdered, in the bushes on campus and Ellie's younger sister, Rachel, is missing. The only clue is a cryptic note that references an older criminal case - a case that has been closed due to a conviction.
Despite her close connection to victims of the crimes, Ellie is the bast at what she does and she is brought in to help solve the case. Time is of the essence when the kidnapper gives Ellie and the police a deadline before he does to Rachel what he did to the family friend.
Under a great deal of pressure, Ellie falls into alcohol bottles and pushes away Detective Nick Baxter who is looking out for her as well as trying to solve the case.
I'm familiar with Caroline Fardig's writing only from the more lighthearted Java Jive mysteries (which I've greatly enjoyed) and the darker nature of this book took me a little bit bu surprise. But a good surprise.
Fardig is a solid, quality writer and this dark thriller is nicely plotted. Ellie works swiftly, uncovering clues from the past with relative ease. She does occasionally make some assumptions (that prove correct) in order to keep the story moving along, but this is mostly forgivable.
There are a couple of moments when the suggestion of romance is brought forth, in particular, when Ellie takes note of a strong, handsome man, but of course she dismisses it because she's busy trying to find her sister. Just the idea of her noticing it strikes me as a little bit off, but I recognize that this likely speaks to her larger reading audience.
Every once in awhile, when reading a book, a line or phrase really strikes me. In this case it was the simple phrase "...while knowing my only sister is waiting for us...". I'm not sure why the adjective 'only' is used here. If Ellie had more than one sister, would that have lessened the severity of the need to rescue her?
This is the second book in the Ellie Matthews series, but I never felt as though I missing something important to understand what was happening. Anything that was needed to know from the previous book appeared to be
Overall this was a solid, quick, thriller read. It ends a bit abruptly, but the journey is engrossing.
Looking for a good book? An Eye for an Eye by Caroline Fardig is the second book in the Ellie Matthews thriller series. It is a dark, tense thriller with just enough touch of gentleness, that this should appeal to many mystery/thriller readers.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Ellie Matthews is a criminologist now working as a professor at a local college. She recently assisted on a high-profile murder case, garnering some unwanted attention and now he's happy to just get back to teaching. Despite her desire to hide in obscurity she agrees to an interview with a charming young student who says he wants to make an impression on the school newspaper editor by landing the one interview that no one else can get.
Not long afterward, a family friend is found dead, murdered, in the bushes on campus and Ellie's younger sister, Rachel, is missing. The only clue is a cryptic note that references an older criminal case - a case that has been closed due to a conviction.
Despite her close connection to victims of the crimes, Ellie is the bast at what she does and she is brought in to help solve the case. Time is of the essence when the kidnapper gives Ellie and the police a deadline before he does to Rachel what he did to the family friend.
Under a great deal of pressure, Ellie falls into alcohol bottles and pushes away Detective Nick Baxter who is looking out for her as well as trying to solve the case.
I'm familiar with Caroline Fardig's writing only from the more lighthearted Java Jive mysteries (which I've greatly enjoyed) and the darker nature of this book took me a little bit bu surprise. But a good surprise.
Fardig is a solid, quality writer and this dark thriller is nicely plotted. Ellie works swiftly, uncovering clues from the past with relative ease. She does occasionally make some assumptions (that prove correct) in order to keep the story moving along, but this is mostly forgivable.
There are a couple of moments when the suggestion of romance is brought forth, in particular, when Ellie takes note of a strong, handsome man, but of course she dismisses it because she's busy trying to find her sister. Just the idea of her noticing it strikes me as a little bit off, but I recognize that this likely speaks to her larger reading audience.
Every once in awhile, when reading a book, a line or phrase really strikes me. In this case it was the simple phrase "...while knowing my only sister is waiting for us...". I'm not sure why the adjective 'only' is used here. If Ellie had more than one sister, would that have lessened the severity of the need to rescue her?
This is the second book in the Ellie Matthews series, but I never felt as though I missing something important to understand what was happening. Anything that was needed to know from the previous book appeared to be
Overall this was a solid, quick, thriller read. It ends a bit abruptly, but the journey is engrossing.
Looking for a good book? An Eye for an Eye by Caroline Fardig is the second book in the Ellie Matthews thriller series. It is a dark, tense thriller with just enough touch of gentleness, that this should appeal to many mystery/thriller readers.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2018
In Caroline Fardig’s newest book, “An Eye For An Eye” her main character, Ellie Matthews just wants to be a boring professor of criminology. The problem is she keeps being pulled into going back to the Sheriff’s department. How could she say no when her mentor, Sheriff Jayne, needed her help finding her missing niece. When the missing collage coed becomes a crime scene that is connected to another recent murder, Ellie will have to muster all her emotional strength to do her forensic work. Turning off her emotions will become more and more difficult as the case becomes sinister and even Ellie is in danger. It becomes evident that they have a serial killer who’s obsessed with the police when the Sheriff’s niece is found mutilated and murdered with a cryptic note stuffed in her mouth. Finding a psychopath and staying safe become Ellie’s priority. The fact she’s using alcohol to cope becomes her least of her worries.
As I suspected when I finished the last Ellie Matthews book, the second in the series was even better than the first. Fardig has created a deep, complicated character with Ellie Matthews. Our main character is intelligent, thorough and not afraid to speak her opinion in a room full of cops. It’s refreshing to have a female character not worry about how she looks or whether she sounds feminine all the time. Ellie Matthews is the kind of character I would love to meet in the real world. I would cherish her take no prisoners attitude and it’d such fun to pick her brain about old forensic cases.
Ms. Fardig makes reading her books highly enjoyable by having an easy cadence to her “voice”. I, as the reader find myself enjoying every conversation, not thinking about how I wouldn’t say that or do that. I find Fardig’s writing just so smooth and easy to digest without being simplified or pandering. Giving the reader nitty gritty details about forensics elevates the book to a teaching tool but keeps it highly enjoyable. For instance I had no idea just how many, MANY rubber cloves a forensic criminologist must go through in a day! I love little details like that and since the author actually went back to school to learn all about criminology, she has an authentic voice with which to add those details.
I’m looking forward to the next Ellie Matthews book. I’ve added my name to Caroline Fardig’s newsletter so I don’t miss a launch date. I suggest you try this new series, “An Eye For An Eye” was so well worth my reading time. If you’ve never read this series, start with “Bitter Past“, you learn all about the main character in the first book.
As I suspected when I finished the last Ellie Matthews book, the second in the series was even better than the first. Fardig has created a deep, complicated character with Ellie Matthews. Our main character is intelligent, thorough and not afraid to speak her opinion in a room full of cops. It’s refreshing to have a female character not worry about how she looks or whether she sounds feminine all the time. Ellie Matthews is the kind of character I would love to meet in the real world. I would cherish her take no prisoners attitude and it’d such fun to pick her brain about old forensic cases.
Ms. Fardig makes reading her books highly enjoyable by having an easy cadence to her “voice”. I, as the reader find myself enjoying every conversation, not thinking about how I wouldn’t say that or do that. I find Fardig’s writing just so smooth and easy to digest without being simplified or pandering. Giving the reader nitty gritty details about forensics elevates the book to a teaching tool but keeps it highly enjoyable. For instance I had no idea just how many, MANY rubber cloves a forensic criminologist must go through in a day! I love little details like that and since the author actually went back to school to learn all about criminology, she has an authentic voice with which to add those details.
I’m looking forward to the next Ellie Matthews book. I’ve added my name to Caroline Fardig’s newsletter so I don’t miss a launch date. I suggest you try this new series, “An Eye For An Eye” was so well worth my reading time. If you’ve never read this series, start with “Bitter Past“, you learn all about the main character in the first book.
January 20, 2018
An Eye for an Eye is the second book in the Ellie Mathews Novels by Caroline Fardig. These stories are a bit darker in nature than Ms. Fardig's Java Jive Mystery Series, but every bit as well done.
Former criminalist turned college professor Ellie Mathews is pleased to be out of the limelight and back in the classroom after her recent consultation on a case that took her campus by storm. When the niece of her friend and mentor, Sheriff Jayne Walsh, is abducted Ellie is drawn back in to assist, again working with Detective Nick Baxter. The abductor appears to be a serial killer from the perfectly orchestrated clues left by an apparent sociopath,
As the abductions increase so do the clues, and it becomes obvious that the killer has a vendetta against the department that originates in a case from over a decade ago. The killer insists the case be reinvestigated by Mathews and Baxter and gives them a short deadline with dire consequences for failure.
As the reader follows along with the around the clock process of stopping a serial killer, the pace quickens and the adrenaline flows as the clock ticks down to the killer's deadline. A real nail biter, the characters grab you, making you care about them and their ominous situation. I found this story hard to put down and that I was turning pages as fast as possible. I look forward to the next story in the series and do recommend this book.
Former criminalist turned college professor Ellie Mathews is pleased to be out of the limelight and back in the classroom after her recent consultation on a case that took her campus by storm. When the niece of her friend and mentor, Sheriff Jayne Walsh, is abducted Ellie is drawn back in to assist, again working with Detective Nick Baxter. The abductor appears to be a serial killer from the perfectly orchestrated clues left by an apparent sociopath,
As the abductions increase so do the clues, and it becomes obvious that the killer has a vendetta against the department that originates in a case from over a decade ago. The killer insists the case be reinvestigated by Mathews and Baxter and gives them a short deadline with dire consequences for failure.
As the reader follows along with the around the clock process of stopping a serial killer, the pace quickens and the adrenaline flows as the clock ticks down to the killer's deadline. A real nail biter, the characters grab you, making you care about them and their ominous situation. I found this story hard to put down and that I was turning pages as fast as possible. I look forward to the next story in the series and do recommend this book.
February 4, 2018
Anyone who loves a good crime novel will enjoy diving into this second in the Ellie Matthews series, An Eye for an Eye, by Caroline Fardig.
Matthews is a crime scene investigator — as well as a criminology professor at a local college — who is just looking to stay out of the limelight after finishing a consult on a recent high profile murder case with the local police department. But she won’t be able to stay away from
police HQ for long.
Mere months later she’s being pulled in to help with the abduction of a family friend and finds herself directly in the path of a vengeful serial killer… who abducts her younger half sister as his next victim!
As it turns out, these murders are all connected, as well as tied to a previously unsolved case, and unless she and her police partner can solve it to the satisfaction of the murderer, Matthews’ sister will die.
It’s a true race against the clock, with a story that moves at a good pace, and a main character that audiences respond favorably to because she’s a heroine with her own flaws.
The author’s knowledge of forensics, as well as thoroughly developed characters and a suspenseful plot, make Eye for an Eye a page turning thriller.
Matthews is a crime scene investigator — as well as a criminology professor at a local college — who is just looking to stay out of the limelight after finishing a consult on a recent high profile murder case with the local police department. But she won’t be able to stay away from
police HQ for long.
Mere months later she’s being pulled in to help with the abduction of a family friend and finds herself directly in the path of a vengeful serial killer… who abducts her younger half sister as his next victim!
As it turns out, these murders are all connected, as well as tied to a previously unsolved case, and unless she and her police partner can solve it to the satisfaction of the murderer, Matthews’ sister will die.
It’s a true race against the clock, with a story that moves at a good pace, and a main character that audiences respond favorably to because she’s a heroine with her own flaws.
The author’s knowledge of forensics, as well as thoroughly developed characters and a suspenseful plot, make Eye for an Eye a page turning thriller.
November 17, 2024
It all began with the disappearance of a college student, a close friend of Ellie’s sister. All they found was her phone on campus. With the news looking so grim, it became even worse with the possible connection this had to the murder of another student with a note stuffed in her mouth and her eye gouged out.
“An eye for an eye.” Sounded like the mark of a serial killer.
A missing eye. A missing tooth. The hunt for a serial killer was on. This killer playing with law enforcement, luring them to new bodies and tricking them at every corner. The killer always seemed to be one step ahead of them. Now, this is the thing that keeps you on your toes. Such an interesting chase! The stakes get raised to even more frightening levels when the killer snatches Ellie’s sister. And Ellie would do whatever it takes to get her back…even if that meant re-opening an old 13-year-old solved case and finding another murderer for the psycho’s mother in 3 days. Unconscionably, you really get into that old case and wonder if the mother was indeed killed by someone else.
An interesting mystery and riveting suspense! Even better than the first book! Wow, what a killer ending! Didn’t see that bombshell coming! A terrific read!
“An eye for an eye.” Sounded like the mark of a serial killer.
A missing eye. A missing tooth. The hunt for a serial killer was on. This killer playing with law enforcement, luring them to new bodies and tricking them at every corner. The killer always seemed to be one step ahead of them. Now, this is the thing that keeps you on your toes. Such an interesting chase! The stakes get raised to even more frightening levels when the killer snatches Ellie’s sister. And Ellie would do whatever it takes to get her back…even if that meant re-opening an old 13-year-old solved case and finding another murderer for the psycho’s mother in 3 days. Unconscionably, you really get into that old case and wonder if the mother was indeed killed by someone else.
An interesting mystery and riveting suspense! Even better than the first book! Wow, what a killer ending! Didn’t see that bombshell coming! A terrific read!
November 16, 2018
I Loved This Book But . . .
I throughly enjoyed Caroline Fardig’s first book, “Bitter Past,“ so I really looked forward to her sophomore effort. This police procedural is well-plotted and well-written, and as in the first book, I especially enjoyed criminalist Ellie Matthews and the forensics involved. Plus, the love/like angle between Ellie and a co-worker is well-written throughout.
However, as the story took off, I had to push myself to suspend disbelief, because—think about it—how can so many terrible things happen to any one person? Yes, I understand many of her personal problems, but adding substance abuse turns Ellie into a police procedural cliche.
She has close, loving friends, plus law enforcement colleagues who really do care about her. I had difficulty believing the degree to which Ellie self-isolates—especially when she has such a needy sister and a very young nephew.
I mulled over this book for about two days before writing this review. I enjoyed the story enough to read to the end, so 3.5 stars. Added to the things that bothered me, here’s what helped dock 2 stars: this story had enough angst and agita for three police procedurals.
I throughly enjoyed Caroline Fardig’s first book, “Bitter Past,“ so I really looked forward to her sophomore effort. This police procedural is well-plotted and well-written, and as in the first book, I especially enjoyed criminalist Ellie Matthews and the forensics involved. Plus, the love/like angle between Ellie and a co-worker is well-written throughout.
However, as the story took off, I had to push myself to suspend disbelief, because—think about it—how can so many terrible things happen to any one person? Yes, I understand many of her personal problems, but adding substance abuse turns Ellie into a police procedural cliche.
She has close, loving friends, plus law enforcement colleagues who really do care about her. I had difficulty believing the degree to which Ellie self-isolates—especially when she has such a needy sister and a very young nephew.
I mulled over this book for about two days before writing this review. I enjoyed the story enough to read to the end, so 3.5 stars. Added to the things that bothered me, here’s what helped dock 2 stars: this story had enough angst and agita for three police procedurals.
March 9, 2018
Love this series!
Ellie Matthews is a former crime scene investigator who is now teaching at Ashmore College in Indianapolis. She lives with her sister, Rachel, and nephew, Nate. When Rachel calls Ellie all upset because her friend, Jenna, has disappeared, Ellie does her best to comfort Rachel. Then another girl's body is found. Both victims had notes from the killer shoved into their mouths. Then Rachel, herself, disappears and Ellie fears the worst, that the killer has the girl. Ellie ends up being paired with detective Nick Baxter and together, they attempt to solve the case before Rachel is killed too.
It doesn't help that the killer enjoys taunting Ellie with videos of tied and gagged Rachel. He also sets a deadline. Ellie only has a few short hours to solve the killer's mother's murder or Rachel dies.
This was a really good mystery. I really like Ellie and Nick and while you know the killer's identity early on, it still keeps you turning the pages. Can't wait until the next one.
Ellie Matthews is a former crime scene investigator who is now teaching at Ashmore College in Indianapolis. She lives with her sister, Rachel, and nephew, Nate. When Rachel calls Ellie all upset because her friend, Jenna, has disappeared, Ellie does her best to comfort Rachel. Then another girl's body is found. Both victims had notes from the killer shoved into their mouths. Then Rachel, herself, disappears and Ellie fears the worst, that the killer has the girl. Ellie ends up being paired with detective Nick Baxter and together, they attempt to solve the case before Rachel is killed too.
It doesn't help that the killer enjoys taunting Ellie with videos of tied and gagged Rachel. He also sets a deadline. Ellie only has a few short hours to solve the killer's mother's murder or Rachel dies.
This was a really good mystery. I really like Ellie and Nick and while you know the killer's identity early on, it still keeps you turning the pages. Can't wait until the next one.
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